Particulate Laundry Softener with Segmented Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry processes require consumers to use separate products for detergent and fabric softening, which are often incompatible, inconvenient to dose, and may not provide sufficient scent enhancement, leading to instability and decreased cleaning performance when combined.
Innovation Solution
A composition of particulate fabric softening particles comprising a water-soluble carrier, quaternary ammonium compound, and cationic polymer, designed to be dosed with detergent in a single location during the wash cycle, providing softening and scent benefits while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detergent composition and softening composition are combined in a single package, then convenience of dosing is improved, but stability of the composition deteriorates due to precipitation of anionic and cationic surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the softening composition into separate particles that are dosed individually or with detergent, rather than combining all components into a single unstable mixture. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its stability while still achieving the benefit of simplified dosing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary approach by providing separate dosing compartments or mechanisms that allow detergent and softening composition to be dosed together without directly mixing incompatible components until the point of application, thus maintaining stability while improving convenience.
2Reliability
If liquid softening composition is used during rinsing step, then softening effect is achieved, but complexity of dosing procedure increases due to separate compartment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the dosing of detergent and softening composition into a single simplified procedure using particulate form that can be dosed together or in sequence without requiring separate liquid compartment management, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining softening effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the softening composition from liquid to particulate form, which fundamentally alters the dosing characteristics and eliminates the need for complex liquid compartment management systems while preserving the softening function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anionic surfactant and cationic surfactant are combined, then cleaning and softening functions are merged, but cleaning performance decreases due to formation of solid precipitate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning and softening functions into separate particulate compositions that can be dosed together without direct chemical interaction, allowing both functions to be performed while avoiding the precipitation problem that would degrade cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the effectiveness of both cleaning and softening functions throughout the wash process, preventing the formation of precipitates that would interrupt or reduce the continuity and effectiveness of cleaning action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for convenient, stable, and effective softening and scent enhancement during the wash cycle, eliminating the need for separate dosing and improving cleaning performance by ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a water-soluble carrier, quaternary ammonium compound, and cationic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composition including: (i) a plurality of first particles comprising: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble first carrier; and a perfume; wherein each of the first particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g; (ii) a plurality of second particles having: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble second carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound formed from a parent fatty acid compound having an Iodine Value from about 18 to about 60; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein each of the second particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g; wherein the first particles and the second particles are in a package.